Smashing plates is done in joy as well as to mourn. It was once believed that a celebration could draw the attention of some bad energy, or even worse, some nasty spirits. To ward off evil spirits that might wreak havoc on a newly married couple smashing a few plates was considered to serve as camouflage.
There is an old German tradition (known as ‘Polterabend’) of breaking old plates and crockery, the evening before a wedding! It is believed to bring good luck, especially if the bride and groom-to-be clean up the broken plates together. Who knew making a mess could be lucky!
“A glass breaking in your house means good luck is coming your way. Obviously you can’t just break your glass it doesn’t work. If you break glass intentionally then it doesn’t work that way but if you accidentally break some glass that means evil is leaving your house and good luck is going to come.”
It is also done as an act of joy. Greeks believe a joyous occasion or celebration also attracts evil spirits, and to ward it off, plates are smashed to indicate that such a violent and aggressive act means no celebration can take place anywhere near.
Breaking of plate is a physical change as no new product is formed during the event. The chemical composition of broken pieces is same as that of plate therefore it cannot be termed as chemical change.
The majority of the time, people consider shattered glass to be a favourable omen. As a general rule, it signifies things such as the beginning of new, beneficial cycles in your life. Moreover, it signifies an improvement in financial circumstances in the near future.
People of Greek heritage may have a reputation for throwing plates around, but it’s not because they don’t want to do the dishes. Rather, smashing plates is time-honored tradition you might observe at a Greek restaurant or wedding reception.
Included in this second category is a superstition that is between 2,000 and 2,700 years old: Breaking a mirror brings seven years of bad luck. It so happened that in both ancient Greece and the Roman Empire, reflected images were thought to have mysterious powers.
Do not break ceramics or glass. A broken bowl, glass, plate, vase, or mirror is considered an omen of misfortune or a family conflict in the future. If you happen to break something, immediately pick up all the fragments and wrap it in red paper or cloth, and then throw it away on the fifth day into a lake or river.
Glass is very symbolic, and the idea of rebirth is prominent in glass symbolism. When you are broken like glass, a new self can emerge and be strong. There are many symbols when it comes to these fragile comparisons.
It is also done as an act of joy. Greeks believe a joyous occasion or celebration also attracts evil spirits, and to ward it off, plates are smashed to indicate that such a violent and aggressive act means no celebration can take place anywhere near.
The Mother of the Bride and the Mother of the Groom stand together and break a plate to represent the seriousness of the commitment their children are taking. Just like a broken relationship, a broken plate can never be completely repaired.
Our chicken and lamb&beef are certified halal but as we sell pork, our shops are not certified yet.
Its a physical change. Explanation: In chemical change the product is formed by a reaction of chemicals.
Breaking of a glass is an irreversible change as the broken glass can never be the same, even if we try mending it.
Breaking of a China (porcelain) dish is a chemical change. Rusting of iron is an irreversible change.
The most common causes are: Internal defects within the glass such as nickel sulfide inclusions. Minor damage during installation such as nicked or chipped edges later developing into larger breaks normally radiating from point of defect.
According to Vastu Shastra, keeping broken or cracked idols of Gods at home is not considered good at all. Doing this hinders the peace of the house without any reason and increases the troubles of family members.
History in Greece
The custom probably derives from an ancient practice of ritually “killing” plates on mourning occasions, as a means of dealing with loss.
It (OPA) literally means “to jump” and it’s used in many ways to say “bravo”, “WoW”, “all right” or in today’s lingo, “You Go”! When a Greek says OPA, they are usually dispensing complements, admiring your zest for life, your dancing or drinking prowess or showing their admiration of a performance.
Greece is an overwhelmingly Orthodox Christian nation – much like Russia, Ukraine and other Eastern European countries. And, like many Eastern Europeans, Greeks embrace Christianity as a key part of their national identity.
A Symbol of the Throne of God
In one of the visions recorded in Revelation 4:6, the Bible talks of a sea of glass in front of the throne of God. This is what it says, “Also in front of the throne there was what looked like a sea of glass, clear as crystal.
According to Vastu, if any glass is broken in the house, then it should be immediately thrown out of the house, it should never be stored in the house. In Vastu, broken glass is considered to be a major defect (Mirror Vastu Dosh) .